VILLA are planning to keep their fan power bandwagon rolling - with spectator stands at Bodymoor Heath.

The club are switching their senior side's training pitches from the front gates of their Warwickshire complex to new surfaces closer to their multi-million-pound indoor centre, which was officially unveiled in May 2007.

And fans look set to be given the chance to see their favourite stars in action away from the hustle and bustle of the Premier League as it is believed that plans are in place to erect viewing stands next to the training pitch.

Villa's popularity is at its highest for decades, ticket sales are soaring and brownie points have been scored from the groundbreaking sponsor-ship deal with Acorns Children's Hospice.

And opening up the training ground would be the latest move under Randy Lerner to keep the feelgood factor going.

The current arrangement at Bodymoor Heath sees autograph hunters gather around a small car park at the front gates in a desperate hope to catch a glimpse of their favourite players in action at a distance.

But outspoken Villa director General Charles Krulak confirmed that this could be a thing of the past.

"We are building viewing stands in the back so that the fans will be able to watch the team practice. It will be much better than the current situation," said Lerner's right-hand man.

A Villa spokesman added: "There are no stands under construction at the moment but that may well be something that we will consider in the future."